What’s new, general information and frequently asked questions about timber frame and post and beam construction, inspired and beautifully built buildings, timber frame home design advice, what woods to use, and best practices. Check out our timber frame videos for a unique glimpse into our projects and methods.
The Grumpy Old Timberframer on… Power Tools
https://vimeo.com/506311342
The Grumpy Old Timberframer on… Hand Drafting
https://vimeo.com/506303937
What is the Best Wood for Timber Framing Projects?
Key Takeaway Builders often use Douglas fir, bald cypress, Port Orford cedar, western red cedar, or eastern white pine. The right choice depends on strength requirements, the look you want, cost, local availability, and how much weather or moisture the…
Timber Frame Inspiration
How do timber frame dreams become reality? We’re always excited to dream along with a new client because every one of our timber frames started the same way: someone had a dream and was inspired to build something. What we…
Timber Traditions: Our Industry Customs
Key Takeaway Timber framing traditions often come to life on raising day, when the frame goes up and everyone pauses to celebrate. Crews sometimes place a small tree at the peak, carve initials or dates into hidden spots, set a…
Why Do Timbers Split and Crack?
Key Takeaway Timbers split as they dry because wood shrinks at different rates in different directions. These cracks, often called checks, show up on the surface or deeper inside. They change the look but rarely affect strength when the timbers…
How to Figure Out a Timber Frame Budget
Champagne timber framing on a (craft) beer budget After receiving the latest Carolina Timberworks newsletter, a potential client emailed a great question: “Can you show a recent home for a customer on a 300k budget, else this stuff is non-realistic to normal…
The Benefits of Timber Framing
Key Takeaway Timber framing shows off its structure, keeps the floor plan open, and creates a handmade feel that grows warmer as the wood ages. It tends to support greener building choices and usually costs more than standard stick-built work….
Build a Party Barn!
Key Takeaway A timber frame party barn is a barn-style space built with visible heavy timbers and a big open interior that can switch quickly from storage to events. People use them for weddings, family gatherings, classes, recreation, vehicle storage,…
Differences Between Decorative and Structural Timber Framing
A homeowner building in the Outer Banks emailed a great question this week: “I was wondering if people typically use your trusses as structural members or just as decorative members attached to the existing frame structure?” We build and install…
Is Timber Framing Sustainable?
https://vimeo.com/carolinatimberworks/itscalledtrees Key Takeaway Timber framing is often seen as sustainable because wood is renewable, stores carbon, and usually takes less energy to produce than steel or concrete. When the wood comes from well-managed forests and goes into long-lived buildings, the…
When You Buy Quality You Only Cry Once
I bought the boots pictured above 20 years ago. At the time, they seemed expensive. What do the old boots have to do with building? Please bear with me. I bought the boots pictured at right 20 years ago. At…